Love is Gone novel Chapter 2

Lily emerged from the bathroom, damp hair cascading down her back, a towel barely containing her curves. She froze when she saw the lingerie on the bed.

“What the…?! The store totally screwed up! I ordered a plain set, not this! I’ll return it tomorrow.”

“I already washed it after I opened it. Returning it might be a problem.”

“Geez, you’re quick,” she huffed, annoyance lacing her voice. “Well, I’ll demand a refund. This is ridiculous.”

I chuckled, reaching for her hair. “Why don’t we just put it to good use tonight?”

She dodged my hand.

“Don’t be silly, Jason. I’m really not in the mood.”

My smile faltered, my eyes clouding over.

Sensing my shift in mood, she grabbed my hand, placing it on her stomach. “Honey, don’t overthink it. I’m still grieving over losing Emily.”

“Just give me a little more time. I’ll get there. Besides, we can always try IVF. I’ve been looking into it. We can maximize the chances of a healthy embryo, choose the timing, how many babies we want, even the gender.”

Even though I knew she’d refuse, disappointment stabbed at me. She’d rather endure the invasive procedures of IVF than be with me.

“Okay. We’ll see,” I said quietly. “I’m going downstairs for a smoke. Want anything from the vending machine?”

Downstairs, in the shadowy depths of the parking garage, I planted a voice recorder in Lily’s car.